Overcoming opioid addiction to heroin or prescription opioid medications can be extremely challenging. Individuals struggling with opioid addiction often face high rates of relapse, and opioid abuse is widespread across the United States. An estimated 3 million U.S. citizens and 16 million people worldwide are currently grappling with Opioid Use Disorder (OUD).
Therapies and counseling can help treat opioid addiction. However, many patients relapse after recovery programs. Using medications alongside these treatments can be beneficial.
If you or a loved one are struggling with OUD, you might be wondering if Suboxone can help. Let’s take a look at what Suboxone is and who it can help.
What is Suboxone?
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid dependence. It contains buprenorphine and naloxone and is typically administered as a dissolvable film or tablet.
Buprenorphine works as a partial opioid “agonist,” meaning it triggers the same receptors in the nervous system but less intensely. It is used for the treatment of opioid addiction and can also be a helpful tool in pain management.
Naloxone works as an opioid “antagonist” in how it rapidly reverses the effects of opioids in the event of an overdose.
When buprenorphine and naloxone are compounded to create Suboxone, they work together to significantly reduce opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Like most medications, Suboxone can cause side effects. The most common are:
- Nausea/vomiting
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Tingling or painful tongue, numbness in the mouth
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Insomnia
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Swelling in extremities
Because Suboxone binds to the same receptors in the brain as opioids, it does produce a slight risk of respiratory depression, which is characterized by slow, shallow breathing. If you experience respiratory depression while taking Suboxone, be sure to seek medical care immediately.
Suboxone Use in Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
Blue Star Recovery offers medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs to help guide patients to long-term recovery. Our Suboxone treatment program in New Jersey has become a paramount tool in helping patients with OUD reach long-term recovery.
Clinical trials have shown that patients who received Suboxone alongside counseling had more successful outcomes than those who went through standard detoxification and counseling.
With a treatment plan that combines Suboxone prescriptions and behavioral therapy, our patients go on to live sober, healthy lifestyles.
Some patients will only need to use Suboxone as part of their treatment during detox from opioids, while others may use it for an extended period into recovery.
While buprenorphine can cause some level of dependency in patients taking Suboxone long-term, it is far less addictive than opioids, making it a practical resource in treating addiction.
Suboxone Treatment as Part of the Recovery Process
Your MAT program will utilize Suboxone alongside a traditional recovery timeline, starting with detoxification all the way to aftercare.
Detox
A medical professional will work with you to determine what format of detoxification will work best for your needs. This may include inpatient or intensive outpatient treatment, and it is a common time for your doctor to prescribe Suboxone to aid in opioid withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Detox typically lasts for a few days.
Treatment
Patients will receive different therapies in an inpatient or outpatient setting during this time. Your provider will help you determine which setting will be most effective in your recovery. During this period your treatment will be carried out in a variety of ways, such as:
- Individual therapy
- Group therapy
- Behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Holistic therapies such as yoga, meditation, nutrition, and exercise programs
- Relapse prevention therapy
- Aftercare planning
During this time, your provider may also address any underlying mental health conditions that could affect your recovery process.
Aftercare
Once you have reached the aftercare stage in your recovery, you will be able to resume a more regular lifestyle with occasional check-ins to ensure long-term sobriety.
This might include regular appointments with your therapist, attending a 12-step recovery program, or appointments with your doctor to manage the ongoing use of medications such as Suboxone.
Aftercare treatment plans will adjust with time, depending on the support you need to maintain your recovery.
Start Suboxone Treatment in New Jersey Today
At Blue Star Recovery, we know that some people benefit from medication management to support their recovery. Our programs use proven therapies along with medications, when needed, to help people overcome addiction.
If you or a loved one is struggling with opioid addiction, help is available. Call now to speak with an admissions coordinator and find out if Suboxone treatment in New Jersey is right for you.
References:
- National Institutes of Health: Extended Suboxone Treatment Substantially Improves Outcomes for Opioid-Addicted Young Adults
- National Library of Medicine: Opioid Addiction
- Harvard Health Publishing: 5 Myths About Using Suboxone to Treat Opioid Addiction
